"Venture like Robinson Crusoe" - Insights from International TOSEL Committee Chairman Hoyeol Lee’s Global CEO Lecture   On September 21st, Korea University's Business School (Dean= Sangyong Kim) hosted a Global CEO Lecture (hereinbelow lecture) in Room 303 of the Hyundai Motor Hall. The guest speaker for the day was Mr. Hoyeol Lee, the Chairman of the International TOSEL Committee and the author of 'Academic TOEFL.' TOSEL is a native English proficiency certification exam system jointly developed by the International TOSEL Committee and KU International Language Institute in 2002. The lecture covered topics such as △ Introduction to Mr. Lee’s career △ Introduction to TOSEL △ Q&A Session.      First, Mr. Hoyeol Lee majored in law at Korea University, completing his master's and doctoral programs in law. He became the first Korean to earn a doctorate in domestic copyright law. His journey into English education began when he started teaching English for the bar exam at a law school to support his tuition. This led to an opportunity to develop English teaching materials. After that, he completed the 'Academic TOEFL,' which gained immense popularity and was often referred to as the "Bible of University English." from the 1980s to the early 2000s.    At that time, recognizing the need for a native English test tailored to the Korean context besides TOEIC and TOEFL, Mr. Lee took the initiative. In 2002, he established the 'International TOSEL Committee' and collaborated with the Korean College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) question-writing committee and KU International Language Institute to develop 'TOSEL’. He emphasized, "A proper English assessment system is essential for the development of English education in Korea, which, in turn, contributes to the country's competitiveness." Currently, more than 15,000 public and private educational institutions utilize TOSEL as an assessment tool. Chairman Lee explained, "Unlike the existing English proficiency exam systems, TOSEL offers different question types and difficulty levels tailored for elementary, middle, high school, and university students."      Furthermore, Chairman Lee emphasized the importance of fostering skills in data analysis and human resources, aligning them with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He encouraged students to cultivate their abilities for communication actively while acquiring skills in data analysis and computer languages. He stated, "In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, having an attitude of self-explore, similar to Robinson Crusoe on a deserted island is crucial."    The lecture concluded with a Q&A session and career advice. Chairman Lee emphasized, "A strong desire for your dreams becomes the driving force to overcome obstacles and challenges. Having passion and consistent effort towards your goals is the key."   

"Becoming a Good CEO is to Love People"… Proxy Planet CEO Park Youngmok's Global CEO Talk    The Global CEO Talk, hosted by Korea University Business School (Dean= Kim Sangyong), was held on September 22nd in the LG-POSCO Business Hall, room 433. The special speaker for this event was Park Youngmok, the CEO of Proxy Planet. The talk covered topics such as △ Introduction of Park Youngmok's career △ Trends and future of the gaming industry △ Q&A.      First, Park Youngmok introduced his career in the gaming industry. He had a distinguished career, working for leading companies in the gaming industry such as Microsoft, NCSOFT, and Blizzard and was involved in launching major games like 'Age of Empires,' 'Lineage 2,' 'World of Warcraft,' and 'StarCraft 2.' He also held positions like CEO of 'Crytek' Korea and Asia-Pacific, head of Naver's smartphone game development subsidiary 'Orange Crew,' and CEO of the mobile game startup company 'Inchant Interactive.' Currently, Park Youngmok serves as the CEO of 'Proxy Planet,' a consulting company specializing in the gaming industry, as well as the chief advisor of GTR, an accelerating company in the gaming field, and an advisor for OP.GG.      Following this, CEO Park Youngmok explained the trends and changes in the gaming industry in the order of △ platforms △ payment methods △ industry concentration areas. He introduced the changes in payment models based on the platforms that have evolved through arcade, package, multiplayer, online, and mobile gaming. He discussed the 'Freemium' strategy, where basic services are offered for free, but premium features are monetized. Park Youngmok explained, "With the advent of the mobile gaming era, startups and smaller companies have been able to reduce marketing costs and easily attract users through the Freemium strategy." He further explained the changes of the game industry saying, "The gaming industry is currently changing their strategies, shifting its focus from distributing products to attracting users and providing 'services’ instead of products.”      Park Youngmok then introduced the future and vision of the gaming industry, emphasizing that “from now on, the gaming industry should prioritize going back to basics and creating 'fun'." He also mentioned, "As much as it's still a young industry, we need to increase our industrial maturity."    Finally, the lecture concluded with a Q&A session and career advice. Park Youngmok highlighted the quality of a businessman, saying, "Since you will be working with many people, the most important quality for becoming a good CEO is to love people." 

"A Leader Sets Precise Goals" - Global CEO Lecture by CEO Jeong Jin-hyeok   The Global CEO lecture, hosted by KUBS (Dean=Kim Sang Yong) was held on September 14th in Room 303 of the Hyundai Motor Hall. These Global CEO lectures invite current CEOs from various fields to share valuable insights on business management, strategies, and entrepreneurial spirit. On this occasion, Mr. Jeong Jin-hyeok, the CEO of Centroid Investment Partners (hereafter referred to as “Centroid”), delivered the lecture. Jeong Jin-hyeok is an alumnus of the university,  Business Administration 04’, and he has been serving as the CEO of Centroid since 2015. Centroid is a domestic private equity fund management company, and it gained recognition by acquiring the globally renowned golf brand, TaylorMade. Jeong Jin-hyeok's lecture was centered around the theme of "Challenging Toward the Center of the Global Financial Market."    After graduating with a degree in business administration, Jeong Jin-hyeok continued to study various investment techniques and business practices. He developed a strong interest in the investment industry and began his career at Macquarie Securities. Not long after, he and three partners raised 7 million KRW each to establish "TX Partners." Their investment in the publishing company "Wonriedu" was his first fund investment on his career path. In 2015, he founded Centroid after becoming independent, and he has steadily built his career, focusing on overseas investments.      Jeong Jin-hyeok went on to explain Centroid's investment techniques and strategies. Centroid primarily operates as a “cross-border investor,” meaning they invest across borders. Notably, their successful investments in the golf industry, including the acquisition of TaylorMade, have expanded their footprint on a global scale. Jeong Jin-hyeok mentioned, "After going through numerous trial and error processes, Centroid has become a trusted fund management company. We started from minority investments and transitioned to the essence of investment, which is buyouts." He also explained the roles of General Partners (GPs) who bear complete responsibility for investments and Limited Partners (LPs) in the form of typical institutional investors.      Highlighting the goal of bringing about economic circularity, Jeong Jin-hyeok introduced various successful buyout cases. The acquisition of TaylorMade by Centroid is an excellent example. They acquired TaylorMade for 200 billion KRW, and the value of TaylorMade increased approximately fivefold. Jeong, the CEO, compared Centroid's role to that of an orchestra conductor, saying, "Obtaining the right returns from the right investments is the ultimate goal, and it is also our duty to manage and supervise the work of advisors." He added that acquiring domestic companies to aim for global expansion might be challenging due to regulatory and cultural differences, and in some cases, like TaylorMade, directly acquiring global companies from the outset could be a better strategy.    The lecture continued with an explanation of Centroid's investment philosophy. The name 'Centroid' signifies the center of mass, symbolizing their commitment to becoming the center of the global financial market. 'Investment' represents their dedication to researching and pioneering to achieve optimal investment performance, and 'Partners' reflects their ambition to maximize profits through interactions with diverse partners. CEO Jeong Jin-hyeok emphasized the importance of leaders setting precise goals to guide their team members. The Global CEO lecture concluded with a Q&A session with the students.   

“Create your own story”...Global CEO Talk by Head of Content & Creative, Warner Bros Discovery Korea   On June 9th, Korea University Business School (Dean= Sang Yong Kim) hosted the Global CEO Talk in Room #303, Hyundai Motor Hall. The speaker for the lecture was Ms. Seolmi Shannon Cho, Head of Content & Creative of Warner Bros Discovery.      Warner Bros. Discovery is a parent company of global film studio Warner Bros. which produces and distributes renowned Hollywood films such as "Harry Potter" and "The Lord of the Rings" series. In Korea, Warner Bros. Discovery operates 9 channels, including Discovery Channel Korea established in 2020 presenting domestic original variety shows in Korea and Asia, and also other contents through Cartoon Networks, CNN, HGTV etc. The lecture encompassed topics such as △Ms. Shannon Cho's career introduction △Warner Bros Discovery and its Korea Networks Business Overview and △Career advice.     Ms. Shannon Cho introduced herself as a female leader and storyteller. She earned an MBA degree from ESSEC in France and entered the media industry through the MBA program and internships. Over the past 20 years, she has built an impressive career, working in business development and various Content Investment and creation at companies such as Sony Pictures, Fox Networks, and CJ  in Asia.    She gave an introduction of Warner Bros. and Warner Bros. Discovery Networks in Korea. Warner Bros. which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, is known for its large-scale film production and distribution, along with the influence of Warner Bros Discovery Networks with Factual/entertainment, kids/animation and news (CNN) and the OTT platform MAX. Studio  Discovery is the first  production studio in Asia established by Discovery Group in 2020.     Ms. Shannon Cho stated that "In 2020  and onwards, the consumption ratio of Korean contents surpassed that of Hollywood contents within Southeast Asia," and explained that considering the high demand for Korean contents, they established a Korean-based production company to become a content hub encompassing the entire Asia region, if not beyond. Currently, original variety shows such as “Ramyeon Brothers”, “Off The Grid” are on Discovery Channel Korea and other Warner Bros Discovery networks in Asia.   Furthermore, Ms. Shannon Cho provided advice on career choices. She emphasized the permission to fail and the resilience She stated, "If you have an attitude that is not afraid of failure, you will be able to sincerely find what you truly want to do," and added, "If I could go back to your age, I would genuinely want to try everything." She also highlighted the significance of creating one's unique story and vision. She mentioned, "Small moments of everyday create an amazing life," and advised, "To establish your own vision, it is essential to first understand yourself."      Moreover, she suggested the following key qualities required to become a good leader, including △Macroscopic perspective △Risk management skills and △ Financial understanding. The lecture concluded with a Q&A session with the students. Finally, she emphasized the importance of identifying one's strengths and, above all, having self-confidence. 

"It's okay to experience failures. What truly matters is setting your next goal." ... Global CEO Talk by Dean Sang Yong Kim     On June 9th, Korea University Business School (Dean= Sang Yong Kim) hosted the Global CEO Talk in Room #303, Hyundai Motor Hall. Since the lecture was the last session of the Global CEO Talk series for the spring semester 2023, Mr. Sang Yong Kim, the Dean of KUBS, delivered the speech himself. The lecture consisted of students asking questions and the Dean providing responses.       Q: You have been teaching at KUBS for a long time. What do successful students have in common?    A: In the past, students who excelled in their studies caught my attention. They were students with a good attitude, focus, and the ability to provide intelligent answers. However, these days, it seems like everyone is smart and proficient in English, and excelling in their studies. Consequently, nowadays, it’s the students with good attitudes and positive attitudes who catch my attention. I believe that differences in attitudes account for variations in grades, even when there isn’t much disparity in academic or professional abilities among individuals. Whether it's a class or a professor you don't particularly like, or if the class schedule doesn't align with your biological rhythm, I encourage you to take responsibility for your choices. Embrace an attitude that sees nothing as impossible to achieve. Nevertheless, it's inevitable to encounter situations where certain things cannot be accomplished. In such instances, don't get discouraged and be prepared to pursue an laternative plan (Plan B).    Additionally, we live in an era where self-marketing is crucial. It’s necessary to present yourself as knowledgeable, even if it means pretending at times. You should confidently communicate your skills and areas of expertise. It’s important to highlight your strengths and promote them effectively. Moreover, it’s essential to engage with individuals who hold a positive perception of you.    Q: What are the global entertainment aspirations of the Dean?    A: One of the commitments that I made when assuming the role of Dean was to “accomplish what other universities cannot.” KUBS and the School of Media & Communication at KU are home to numerous exceptional professors, some of whom hold influential positions within major Korean entertainment companies. Both schools have also produced several scholarly papers focusing on K-entertainment. Given these strenths, I firmly believe that a  llaborative research institute established jointly by the two schools would serve a significant research hub. I am currently in the process of planning its launch, which is scheduled for the summer.      Q: You graduated from the Department of Western History as an undergraduate. Why did you study Business Administration after that?    A: I went to study abroad before travel restrictions were lifted. In the past, we didn’t have the freedom to choose our majors, nor were double majors or dual degrees options available. Changing one’s major after entering a university was challenging, and pursuing a different master’s major was equally difficult. During that time, graduates from humanities disciplines faced difficulties finding jobs at major corporations, as they preferred candidates from business or English literature backgrounds.    However, a friend informed me that I could pursue an MBA abroad without being constrained by my undergraduate major. Having little prior experience in business, I managed to get only three hours of sleep every night to cope with the rigorous demands of my studies in the United States. As time passed, the challenges became overwhelming, leading me to intern at a brokerage firm. Despite this exposure to the corporate environment, I found it difficult to comprehend and embrace the corporate life. Consequently, I heeded the advice of company employees and decided to continue my studies further.      Q: Did studying history help when studying business?    A: Studying history didn't help much when studying business, but some people say that it provided a different perspective or a different view on research or paper tendencies. I think that studying humanities during my undergraduate years helped in that point of view. I have a different perspective or view when it comes to perceiving and understanding phenomena.    Q: Do you have any advice for students?    A: It'crucial to pursue both your passions and your strengths. If you find yourself having to choose between what you want to do and what you're good at, prioritize your strengths. Focusing on what you excel at allows you to experience a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. If idenfitying your strengths feelss challenging, try eliminating activities you dislike or struggle with through a pocess of elimination. By doing so, you can narrow down and idenfity what you truly excel at. Once you discover your strengths, commit yourself wholeheartedly, and success will likely follow. For instance, I personally pursued marketing uantitative analysis because I wanted to excel in a field where I could incorporate the Internet and leverage quantitative analysis for marketing purposes.    What I want to convey that life doesn't always follow our plans, but it’s essential to give your best effort in every moment. I have always believed that “there is nothing that cannot be done” and consequently put in my best efforts. However, there were instances when things didn't work out as expected. Nevertherless, I remained determined and prepared with Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C. During this semester's special lectures, you must have heard from many speakers who faced numerous failures but managed to rise again. Remember, it's okay to experience failures, and it’s not essential to have high grades all the time. What truly matters is setting your next goal.   

“Luck Favors the Prepared”…Global CEO Talk by Chairman of Seok Electronics    On May 18th, Korea University Business School (Dean= Sang Yong Kim) hosted the Global CEO Talk in Room #303, Hyundai Motor Hall. The speaker for the lecture was Mr. Dong-seok Lee, the chairman of Seok Electronics. Seok Electronics Co., Ltd. is an electronic parts distributor that was founded by expanding its business based on exceptional technology while initially operating as a small subcontractor. The lecture included △an introduction to Chairman Lee’s careern, △the background of Seok Electronics’ foundation, △ advice on the value of trust and human relationships, and △ a Q&A session.     Firstly, Chairman Lee completed the 55th Advanced Management Program (AMP) at KUBS. and received an honorary doctorate in Business Administration from KIMEP University in Kazakhstan. He also held positions such as the president of KUBS AMP Alumni Association, executive vice president of the Gangwon Provincial Council, and the 31st president of the Seoul Central Lions Club. Additionally, he generously donated 100 million KRW to KUBS to support student development.     In Chairman Lee’s hometown of Hwacheon, Gangwon-do, he faced challenging family circumstances that led him to forgo attending university. Instead, in his early 20s, he moved to Seoul and started working as an employee at a small supply store operated by his brother-in-law in the Cheonggyecheon Sewoon Shopping Center. Desipite working at the smallest store in the mall, Chairman Lee did not allow complaints to overshadow his ambition and determination. He firmly believed in the saying, ‘I should be the owner of every place I work.’ Reflecting on his 13 years as an employee, he stated, ‘I always strived to give my best.’    In particular, Chairman Lee developed his business acumen by observing and analyzing the success and failures of individuals in the mall. He stated, ‘I never believed that I couldn’t achieve anything, and without my experience as an employee, I wouldn’t have had the courage to start my own business.’ Even after establishing Seok Electronics, Chairman Lee continued to expand his business ventures. Notably, he gained recognition for identifying and investing in innovative venture companies, despite challenging economic conditions in the country. To date, Chairman Lee brought around 10 companies to prominence, including △Hotel Maremons, △ Monoris, and △ Makestar.  Chairman Lee emphasized the importance of human relationships and highlighted the value of ‘trust.’ He stated, ‘If labor represents primary capital and information represents secondary capital, then trust is the the tertiary capital.’ Reflecting on his own experiences, he mentioned, “The individuals I had high expectations for did not always prove helpful, while those I never considered showed remarkable qualities.” He also offered advice to young people preparing to venture into business, “When dealing with money, trust and credibility are crucial. However, above all, they are built through consistent time commitments and diligent efforts in our daily lives.” He further added, “Approach every task with a positive mindset and strive to do your best in all endeavors.’    After the lecture, a Q&A session was held. During this session, a student expressed their aspiration to adopt a positive mindset and asked for advice or tips on maintaining positivity.” Chairman Lee responded with the following advice:  “No one is inherently positive. Life often unfolds differently than we anticipate, so it is important to set goals based on what you can control and follow your path. Along the way, you will encounter new environments and opportunities that are unique to your journey. It’s just like you looking at a mountain from the bottom and seeing only one ridge, but as you clink higher, you discover there are many more. Do not stress yourself out while facing challenges and competing with others. Always remain in control of yourself, regardless of the circumstances. If you approach your work with the mindset of ‘I can do it!’ and ‘I will do it!’, I believe that you will be able to unlock the maximum potential and blessings that life has to offer.”